Retired basketball Hall of Famer Bill Russell has responded to President Donald Trump’s social media post over the weekend by stating directly to the president, ‘You Are Divisive and a Coward,’ according to The Hill.
Trump has once again taken the stance that people kneeling during the national anthem are disrespecting the flag even though they are protesting racial injustice and police brutality toward black people.
Late last week, Trump took to Twitter to state, “…We should be standing up straight and tall, ideally with a salute, or a hand on heart. There are other things you can protest, but not our Great American Flag – NO KNEELING!”
Russell, who became the first black man to become an NBA coach, had this to say to the president.
“#Trump you projected your narrative that #TakingAKnee is disrespectful & #UnAmerican it was never about that! You are divisive & a coward. It takes true courage 2 stand 4 what is right & risk your life in the midst of a
#pandemic #Proud2kneel #BlackLivesMatter”
Russell is wearing the Presidential Medal Freedom given to him by former President Obama back in 2010. Obama had stated at the time that Russell is “an impassioned advocate of human rights” who “marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and has been a consistent advocate of equality.”
Russell has won the NBA championship 11 times in 13 years while playing for the Boston Celtics. He was a five-time MVP (Most Valuable Player) and 12-time NBA All-Star. He also coached the Celtics, Seattle Supersonics, and the Sacramento Kings.